Throughout history, U.S. presidents have often enjoyed moments of leisure by attending sporting events. These instances are not just about relaxation, but also about connecting with the American public. And, with the news that President Donald Trump will be attending Super Bowl LIX, he’ll now be the first President ever to attend a Super Bowl while in office.
From baseball to football, presidential pastimes with professional and college sports teams have been well documented, revealing a unique aspect of humanizing these high-profile figures. This list explores notable occasions when presidents attended or were associated with various sporting events, highlighting a more relatable side of their tenure.
15. Theodore Roosevelt at Washington Senators Games
Despite his reputation as a sports enthusiast, Theodore Roosevelt rarely attended baseball games during his presidency. He received a golden pass from the American League in 1906 but still avoided games. Roosevelt’s absence was so notable that baseball officials launched a campaign to win him over, ultimately without success.
14. Franklin D. Roosevelt at Washington Senators Games
FDR attended 11 Washington Senators games during his presidency, throwing out the first pitch at each. He made history in 1937 by becoming the first president to attend an All-Star Game. Roosevelt’s love for baseball was evident, as he continued to support the sport even during World War II.
13. Lyndon B. Johnson at Washington Senators Games
President Johnson attended four Washington Senators games during his presidency, throwing out the first pitch on three occasions. His most notable appearance was at the opening of the Astrodome in Houston on April 9, 1965, where he watched an exhibition game between the Astros and Yankees.
12. Dwight D. Eisenhower at Army-Navy Football Games
Eisenhower, a former West Point football player, attended several Army-Navy games as president. His most notable appearance was in 1962, continuing a tradition started by Theodore Roosevelt in 1901. Presidents typically spend one half on each team’s side, showcasing bipartisan support for both service academies.
11. Joe Biden at Philadelphia Eagles Games
Joe Biden, a self-proclaimed Eagles fan, has attended several Philadelphia Eagles games. He was present at Super Bowl LII in 2018 when the Eagles defeated the New England Patriots. Biden has been spotted wearing Eagles merchandise and has praised the team’s passionate fanbase, calling Philadelphia sports fans “the most informed and most obnoxious fans in the world.”
10. Donald Trump at New York Yankees Games
Donald Trump has been a frequent attendee at New York Yankees games over the years. He’s been spotted in George Steinbrenner’s private box at Yankee Stadium and has claimed to be “loyal to both” the Yankees and Mets. Trump’s baseball fandom dates back to his childhood in Queens, where he collected baseball cards and admired players like Yogi Berra.
9. Barack Obama at Chicago Bulls Games
Barack Obama, a passionate Chicago Bulls fan, has attended multiple games over the years. In 2015, he sat courtside for the Bulls’ season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers. More recently, in 2022, Obama watched the Bulls face the Boston Celtics, accompanied by members of his foundation’s youth programs.
8. George W. Bush at Texas Rangers Games
George W. Bush, former managing partner of the Texas Rangers, attended numerous games during his presidency. He threw out the first pitch at Miller Park in 2001 and Nationals Park in 2008. He also attended a Houston Texans game in the early 2000s.
7. Bill Clinton at Arkansas Razorbacks Basketball Games
President Bill Clinton, an avid Arkansas Razorbacks fan, attended multiple basketball games during his presidency. In 1994, he cheered on the Razorbacks to victory in the NCAA Final Four, watching from a luxury box as they defeated Arizona 91-82. Clinton’s presence at games highlighted his home state pride and love for college basketball.
6. George H.W. Bush at Houston Astros Games
George H.W. Bush was a devoted Astros fan, frequently attending games with his wife Barbara. He threw out the first pitch at the 2017 World Series Game 5, where the Astros defeated the Dodgers 13-12. Bush’s presence at Minute Maid Park was always met with enthusiasm from fans and players alike.
5. Ronald Reagan at Chicago Cubs Games
Reagan, a lifelong Cubs fan, attended several games during his presidency. Most notably, on September 30, 1988, he threw out two first pitches at Wrigley Field and joined Harry Caray in the broadcast booth. Reagan, a former radio announcer, called part of the game, showcasing his enduring passion for baseball.
4. Jimmy Carter at Atlanta Braves Games
Jimmy Carter was a lifelong Atlanta Braves fan, attending numerous games throughout his life. He was present for Hank Aaron’s record-breaking 715th home run in 1974 and threw out the first pitch in Game 6 of the 1995 World Series. Even in his later years, Carter continued to watch Braves games while in hospice care.
3. Gerald Ford at Detroit Lions Games
Gerald Ford, a former University of Michigan football star, remained a lifelong Lions fan. As president, he attended several Lions games at the Pontiac Silverdome, including a 1975 Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Ford’s presence often brought extra excitement to the stadium atmosphere.
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2. Richard Nixon at Washington Redskins Games
Richard Nixon was an avid football fan and frequently attended Washington Redskins games. On November 16, 1969, he became the first sitting president to attend a regular season NFL game, watching the Redskins play the Dallas Cowboys at RFK Stadium. Nixon was close friends with Redskins coach George Allen and often visited the team’s practice facility.
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1. John F. Kennedy at Boston Red Sox Games
Though a devoted Red Sox fan, JFK never attended a game at Fenway Park while president. However, he frequently visited as a congressman and senator, often sitting near the dugout. In 1946, he watched Ted Williams play alongside fellow veteran Hank Greenberg, creating an iconic photo opportunity.
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